Flossing

Using dental floss is an essential part of the tooth cleaning process because it removes plaque from between the teeth and gums. This is where periodontal disease often starts. Your dental hygienist can show you the best way to use floss but here is a basic guide.

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers of each hand. Pinch the floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1-2 inch length between. Use thumbs to direct floss between your upper teeth.

Then keep a 1-2 inch length of floss taut between your fingers. Use your index fingers to guide the floss between your lower teeth.
It is better to gently guide the floss between your teeth by using a zigzag motion. Don’t forget to contour the floss around the sides of the tooth.

Tooth brushing

The best advice is to brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and at bedtime is convenient. You should use a soft-tufted brush. The right size brush is important as it should fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas easily.

Place the tufts along the gumline at a 45 degree angle making sure that the brush touches both the tooth surface and the gums. You should spend 30 seconds brushing each of the four sections of your mouth – upper left and right and lower left and right making sure that the insides, outsides and biting surfaces of all teeth are all brushed, concentrating in the area where the tooth meets the gum.

And don’t forget to clean your tongue
- ideally using special tongue cleaner
– it will leave your mouth feeling really fresh.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

You may find it easier to use a modern electric toothbrush - just guide it around your mouth without putting much pressure on it.